How much should i expect out of a 5 month old lab/pit bull mix?

Question

in regard to walking on leash, listening to basic commands like sit and come here, tricks, overall temperament.

Answer 1

Depends on many things.  Your willingness and effort invested in properly training, socializing and consistently working with your dog using motivators and reinforcement.

Genetics will play a role, so temperaments of the parents can be considered, however if the parents received little training, socialization themselves, you shouldn't excuse behaviors away based on her mom & dad.

Labs and pit bulls are generally fun loving creatures with an adoration of humans but both breeds require alot of exercise, mental and physical.  Be sure you meet her needs in both areas.

Any dog, any age, any breed is trainable.  Finding the right methods (preferably pain/force free) and taking advantage of manners/obedience classes which use positive methods and socializing her properly with other appropriate dogs and positive experiences/environments will be crucial.

Here are some sites that you may find helpful:

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/behavio...

http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles...

http://deesdogs.com/training.htm

Be sure to feed your puppy a high quality diet free of corn or fillers and by-products.  Have her visit the vet for check ups annually, have her (or him) spayed or neutered and maintain her mental and physical health to rule out possible ailments which may hinder proper training.

Chaining or tethering outdoors is not a good idea at all.  Your puppy with thrive and learn to be a great pet by living indoors with the family.  Take her places, expose her to the world in a positive, fun, safe manner so that she will be more accepting of new things down the road.  Introduce her to as many people (ages, races, genders), dogs (appropriate adult dogs and puppies of all genders, breeds, etc), get her used to lots of car rides, leash walks in various places, noises, etc.

The more you expose her to in a positive manner the easier she will be to handle and enjoy.  Enroll in group classes for further socialization and find fun activities to get her involved in such as agility or Rally-O obedience.  Speak to other dog folks involved in sports or training and ask if you can observe classes and get some know some people so you can learn more about raising a wonderful, friendly dog.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have a lab/pit mix and she is quite apt.  We adopted her a 1 year old and she was quite trained in all basic commands.  She was not a great leash walker, but with the help of a choke collar, she stopped pulling in just a few walks.  We live in a suberban area and walk her w/o a leash in the woods and she listens beautifully, always had.  The one think we discourage is the 'locking on' thing that pits do.  We play tug of war, but don't allow her to hang or raise off the ground.  

Good luck and remember, this dog is going to be a puppy until about 4 or so.  At 5, ours is just starting to calm down

Answer 3

Have they been previously trained? Are you just now acquiring a 5 month old? I adopted a 1.5 year old pittie, and she had never been trained. She still has a hard time walking on a leash without pulling, but I've gotten her to sit, stay, etc. Take a training class to learn how to appropriately train your dog! They are fun and so worth it! I also adopted a 2 month old pittie, and she is already obeying commands, because I am teaching her.  

Answer 4

Totally depends on the dogs prior 5 months...and the training it had prior...

Answer 5

i have a 4 month old boxer who i started teaching basic commands a month ago, i think it's safe to say that your puppy should be obeying, sit, lay down, come here and stay by now. stay is the tougher one my dog is still working on that but he gets the other ones, and also when saying the commands like lay down for instance it's a good idea to move your hand towards the floor drawing his nose down and he will usually lay down without a fight, if he doesn't at first try it with a treat in hand so he understands its a good thing. because puppies are so full of energy don't be discouraged if you have to repeat the command a couple times... i have to sometimes say sit or get down 4 to 5 times until he calms down enough to focus on my voice and what i'm asking him to do before he does it, but he does in fact get it.

as for leashing... i'm not sure.. if my dog is on a regular leash he pulls very badly, a slight tug so they are not walking ahead of you usually tells them where their spot is, i have found it easier to walk my dog without pulling if he wears a harnass instead, it forces him to walk instead of pulling with his head. also, keep your arm as relaxed as possible. tensing up your arm tells the dog you are expecting a fight and he can actually feel the tension through the lease automatically setting his mood.

Answer 6

well I have a pitbull who is 6 1/2  - 7 months And when she was 5 months when I started taking her  walking her on a leash, but it might take a little bit to train her on the leash It took mine only two days to figure it out, but the first two times was bad LOL she didnt like it at all. Also I just now taught her to sit, she does that well now. She knew "come here [name]"  by the time she knew what her name was. Peeing and Pooping is still on the training list but its WAY better. (you just have to make sure they go out constantly and maybe even walk out there til you know she's done the deed). Another tip on walking with a leash, is to keep a collar on her (not forever but until she gets used to walking, etc) because then when you hook on the leash she'll already be used to it. It shouldnt take long pitbulls are very small and so are labs

Answer 7

you have a mix that will require an ABUNDANCE of walks, and play...it will be the most stubborn, smart, loving and loyal dog you will ever own!

It will be kind of hard to train at that age, but PLEASE stick with it, the dog is trying his hardest, and needs you to tell him what to do!!

Answer 8

It takes time. You have to work with a puppy and be consistent. Give treats and praise them often. As for the temperament socialize your puppy now. Socialization is the key with a young Pit or Pit mix or any puppy for that matter. Just take your time and be consistent with your training and your puppy will do great.